Medical examiner investigating senior’s death at North Sydney guest home

Woman died due to burns on 35 per cent of her body

NORTH SYDNEY, N.S. — The Nova Scotia medical examiner’s office is investigating the death of a 78-year-old woman who was a resident of the Northside Community Guest Home.

The woman died as a result of burns she sustained while in the home. Thirty-five per cent of her body was burned and she was airlifted to Halifax after being examined at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Spokesperson Heather Fairbairn confirmed the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the burns and death are being investigated.

“Once the process is complete, the medical examiner will communicate directly with the family and the results shared with the appropriate authorities,” Fairbairn said via email.

“It’s difficult to say how long the investigation may take to complete. This process can take several weeks.”

The Department of Health and Wellness also confirmed the investigation is taking place.

“We can confirm that facilities are required to report critical incidents to the department and the facility has reported this incident. The department is in contact with the administrator to determine what happened.”

No one from the Northside Community Guest Home was available for comment by press time.